Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development) - Volunteer Role

The Donovan's Venom, INC. Is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization dedicated to taking music, art, and entertainment to those who need it the most. The Donovan's Venom, INC. Caters to no particular individual(s) yet pledges relief to impaired or deprived individuals who are in need of musical,visual, comedic, and-or any alternative forms of liberation-through fine art & entertainment. The Donovan's Venom INC. Gives its resources to individuals who don't have the means or access.

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Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development)

The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)

Department Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)

Location Remote

Position Type Volunteer Role

Reports To Lead Video Game Designer / Director of Interactive Media Studio

Position Overview

The Video Game Designer (Gameplay) is responsible for designing and refining core gameplay mechanics, player interactions, and moment-to-moment experiences within game projects.

This role focuses on how the game feels to play—ensuring mechanics are responsive, engaging, and aligned with the overall game design.

Operating at the intersection of gameplay design, interaction design, and implementation, this role is critical to delivering a fun, intuitive, and immersive player experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Core Gameplay Design
• Design gameplay mechanics such as
• Movement
• Controls
• Combat (if applicable)
• Player interactions
• Ensure mechanics are intuitive and engaging
  
  

• Player Experience & Feel
• Focus on moment-to-moment gameplay feel
• Improve responsiveness and control
• Enhance player interaction quality
  
  

• Prototyping & Iteration
• Develop and test gameplay prototypes
• Experiment with mechanics and interactions
• Iterate based on feedback and testing
  
  

• Gameplay Balance & Tuning
• Adjust gameplay elements for
• Difficulty
• Responsiveness
• Fairness
• Improve pacing and player experience
  
  

• Unity & Implementation Support
• Work within Unity (or similar engine) to
• Implement mechanics
• Test gameplay interactions
• Collaborate with developers on functionality
  
  

• Design Documentation
• Create and maintain
• Gameplay documentation
• Mechanics descriptions
• Ensure clarity for development teams
  
  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with
• Developers (implementation)
• Artists (visual feedback and alignment)
• UX/UI teams (player interface and interaction)
• Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
  
  

• Playtesting & Feedback Integration
• Participate in playtesting sessions
• Analyze feedback
• Refine gameplay mechanics accordingly
  
  

• Problem-Solving & Constraints
• Adapt gameplay based on
• Technical limitations
• Scope constraints
• Balance creativity with feasibility
  
  

• Continuous Improvement
• Improve gameplay quality over time
• Stay current with game design trends
• Enhance player engagement
  

Volunteer Commitment Expectations

• Estimated Commitment 8–12 hours per week
• Flexible schedule
• Participation in game development meetings required
• Fully remote
  

Minimum Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in
• Game design
• Gameplay design
• Interactive systems
• Understanding of
• Core gameplay mechanics
• Player interaction design
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with
• Unity or similar game engines
• Experience working on game projects (academic, indie, or professional)
• Experience in collaborative or remote teams
  

Core Competencies

Gameplay Design

• Designs engaging and responsive mechanics
• Focuses on player interaction
  

Player Experience

• Improves gameplay feel and usability
• Enhances engagement
  

Problem Solving

• Adjusts gameplay based on feedback
• Resolves design challenges
  

Collaboration

• Works with developers and artists
• Aligns gameplay with overall design
  

Attention to Detail

• Ensures precision in mechanics
• Maintains clarity in documentation
  

Adaptability

• Iterates designs based on testing
• Adjusts to evolving requirements
  

Work Environment

• Fully remote
• Collaborative game development environment
• Creative and iterative workflow
  

Important Disclaimer

This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.

We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.

Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.